Greene County, NC Civil War Pension Files
Military Information
- Regiment:28th Inf USCT Company C
- Military : Private
- Enlistment: Jan 4, 1864 Indianapolis, Ind
- Discharged: died while serving
- Physical Description: 5Ft 6in Black Complexion, Black Eyes, Black Hair
Pension File Information
- Pension Status: Filed Jul 1, 1869 by Father Primus Tyler- Rejected not dependant of son
- Depositions By: Reuben Lawhorne, William Gibson, Robert Waters, Burket Artis, George W Lawhorne, Ephriam Cook
- Residences Post War: Father- Marion Co, Indiana, Parke County, Indiana
Personal Information
- Born: Apprx 1845 Greene County, NC
- Death: June 27, 1864 died in service wounds recorded in action in Chickahominy, VaCharles City Courthouse, Va
- Buried: Unknown At This TIme
Family Information
- Parents: Primus (Sheppard) Tyler + Elizabeth (Betsy) Tyler died July 6, 1861
- Parents Marriage 1827
- Siblings: (unconfirmed) Primus Jr , Elizabeth, Nancy, George, Hymerick, Avy, Moses
- Wife: none
- Marriage: none
- Children: none
Enslavement Information
- Slave Owner : Primus Tyler (Father) Theophilus Edwards + Elizabeth Sheppard Edwards
Their Story Information
Sheperd was ultimately born to parents, who were Free People of Color making him free as well. Shepherd and his parents were all born in Greene County, NC. Elizabeth Tyler his mother was born free and Primus his father was born enslaved. Primus was enslaved by Theophilus Edwards and his wife Elizabeth Edwards Sheppard. Primus and Elizabeth were married in 1827 and gives a first hand account of his marriage. In his own words, Primus, states that he was married in the ways of the old times and old country. Primus states with their friends the groom and bride take their places at each end of the table facing each other and after supper the couple would be considered married by law if not conflicting with the master.
As tension started to rise for the Free People of Color in Greene County, NC and the State of North Carolina, they started to move north to African American communities in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. Elizabeth Tyler and children moved to Parke County, Indiana. Once in Indiana, Elizabeth broker a deal with probable Quaker, James Siler to purchase the freedom of her husband, Primus for his mistress Elizabeth Edwards. Elizabeth paid $400 for Primus’ freedom. Upon his freedom, Primus his Betsy’s surname as his , as well. Primus included the Bill of Sale with his application for pension. After obtaining his freedom, he joined his family in Parke County. While in Parke County, Betsy purchased a 158 acre farm in 1860 valued at $4000 which they still owe $1300. Upon her death she deeded it to her children. Primus has no right or interest in property.
After the death of BetsyTyler and being elderly, Primus was dependent on his son, Shepherd, to care for him. He was unable to work due to rheumatism. Approximately 5 years prior to enlisting, Sheppard provided $10 a month as support for his father. Primus had to prove his dependence on Sheppard for income,in order to receive his Civil War Pension. Primus was able to collect Sheperd’s bounty, but his application for his pension was rejected.
Resources
Father Certificate No. 171234., Tyler;Sheperd, Private, Company C, 28th Infantry US Color Troop; Case Files of Rejected Pension Application of Veteran Who Served in the Army and Navy in the Civil War, 1861-1934; Record Group 15; National Archives Building, Washington, DC Retrieved 09 Oct 2022
Dreams Deferred Genealogy 
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